10th Circuit won't stop review of coal mining on Navajo Nation

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals won't stop the federal government from conducting an environmental analysis of an expanded coal mine operation on the Navajo Nation.

A federal judge ruled that the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement violated federal law by failing to prepare an environmental impact statement for the BHP Navajo Coal Company mine in New Mexico. BHP Billiton appealed but the 10th Circuit said it lacked jurisdiction because the agency has yet to issue a final decision.

The lawsuit was filed by Diné Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and San Juan Citizens Alliance. They say the mine expansion will harm the environment.

Get the Story:
Review of Navajo coal mine moves forward (AP 8/30)

10th Circuit Decision:
Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment v. Klein (August 26, 2010)